Tuesday’s contest was the first All-Star Game since 1988 to end with a 2-1 score, an American League win as well.

After nine innings, this one was following a similar script to the infamous 2002 All-Star Game. In that matchup, the AL and NL were knotted up 7-7 after nine innings. After two more scoreless innings, then-MLB Commissioner Bud Selig elected to call the game, resulting in the first tie in All-Star Game history.

Friends started walking up days before the game, telling him to enjoy it. Only that. So Chris Sale took a moment for himself before throwing his first pitch for the American League in the first inning. He enjoyed it, too.

“An amazing atmosphere with the crowd,” Sale said.

We’ll pause here to savor...

(Dave Hyde)

As a result, MLB instituted a rule giving home field advantage in the World Series to the league that won the All-Star Game to insentivize competitiveness. After 14 years, MLB backed off the rule change this offseason, making this year’s Midsummer Classic the first since 2002 to not determine home field.

Nine AL pitchers combined to allow just one run on seven hits, while striking out nine. Red Sox ace Chris Sale, who started the game, Yankees right-hander Dellin Betances and Kimbrel each struck out two batters.

Kimbrel had one of the game’s biggest strikeouts. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the NL had the winning run on third with Michael Conforto at the plate. Kimbrel struck out the Mets left fielder swinging to push the game to extras.

In the 10th, Miller closed the door with another huge K. After walking Reds first baseman Joey Votto to put the winning run at the plate, Miller closed the door, striking out the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger to end the game.

See photos from Tuesday night's All-Star Game at Marlins Park in Miami.

Despite the loss, the NL’s pitchers also hitters for the majority of the night, allowing two runs on 10 hits. Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez was especially dominant, striking out four in two scoreless innings.

Cubs closer Wade Davis, the only representative from the defending World Series champs, took the loss for the NL, allowing a 10th-inning solo homer to Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano to break the tie.